Israeli strikes in southern Gaza kill 32 overnight, Including women and children

Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 32 people overnight and into Wednesday, according to Palestinian medical officials. The European Hospital, located in the heavily bombarded city of Khan Younis, reported that among the dead were several women and children. Dozens more were wounded, with some in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.

Dr. Saleh al-Hams, who heads the nursing department at the European Hospital, described a grim scene, saying that bodies and wounded civilians began arriving at around 3 a.m. following intense airstrikes and ground incursions by Israeli forces into three neighborhoods in Khan Younis. His hospital and the Nasser Hospital are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.

Israel has yet to comment on the strikes, which are part of its ongoing military campaign targeting what it describes as militant infrastructure in Gaza. This campaign follows the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. As of now, roughly 100 hostages remain in Gaza, and about a third of them are feared dead.

The Israeli response to the Hamas-led assault has been devastating for Gaza. Local health authorities report that over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, and the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many multiple times, as large sections of the territory have been reduced to rubble.

While Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza, tensions have also flared on other fronts. Israel is currently engaged in battles with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and on Tuesday, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel, further complicating the already volatile situation. As the conflict continues, civilians in Gaza, already facing immense suffering, are left to endure escalating violence with no clear end in sight.